At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build core components for autonomous drone systems using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join Seeing Systems, a pioneering team in autonomous drone technology.
- Benefits: Founding-level ownership, equity, and the chance to shape engineering culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced startup environment with opportunities for rapid growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on robotics and drone intelligence from day one.
- Qualifications: Strong software skills, experience in robotics, and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About Us
Seeing Systems is building autonomous drone systems that can perceive, navigate, and act intelligently in complex real‑world environments. We focus on advancing autonomy through monocular vision, sensor fusion, and robust system design, enabling drones to operate reliably where traditional systems fail. Seeing Systems was founded by brothers Matthew and Alex Le Maitre, combining deep experience across software, robotics, and defense.
The Role
We’re hiring a Founding Software Engineer to help design and build the core autonomy stack powering our drones. This is a deeply technical, hands‑on role where you’ll work across perception, planning, and systems infrastructure—owning critical pieces of the product from day one. You’ll partner directly with the founders to define architecture, make key technical decisions, and ship systems that perform reliably both in simulation and in the field.
What You’ll Do
- Design and build core components of the autonomous drone stack
- Develop perception and state estimation systems using monocular vision and sensor fusion
- Work with and extend robotics frameworks like ROS / ROS2
- Build and test algorithms in simulation environments such as AirSim, and deploy to real systems
- Implement and optimize SLAM, localization, and navigation pipelines
- Interface with sensors, compute systems, and flight controllers
- Contribute to system architecture across software, hardware, and communications layers
- Rapidly prototype, test in the field, and iterate on real‑world performance
- Leverage modern AI tools and workflows to accelerate development and experimentation
- Help define engineering culture, tooling, and hiring as a founding team member
Within your first 30 days, you’ll deploy your first vision‑based navigation update to a physical drone and test it in the field, and within 90 days, you’ll be co‑owner of our internal autonomy stack, responsible for large‑scale development and direction of our primary software product.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong software engineering skills, with Python preferred (C++, Rust or OCaml is a plus)
- Experience building robotics, real‑time, or distributed systems
- Familiarity with ROS / ROS2 and working across simulation + hardware
- Strong intuition for systems, debugging, and performance tradeoffs
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and moving quickly in a startup environment
- High ownership mindset—you build, test, and ship end‑to‑end
- Heavy user of AI tools (e.g., Claude code) to accelerate output
- Willing to go outside with us and test in the real world!
Nice to Have
- Experience with SLAM, visual odometry, or 3D reconstruction
- Background in computer vision (especially monocular/depth estimation)
- Experience with sensor fusion (e.g., IMU + camera, Kalman filters)
- Familiarity with AirSim or similar simulation platforms
- Experience working with drones, UAV systems, or embedded systems
- RF or communications systems experience
- Prior startup or founding engineer experience
Why Join
- Founding‑level ownership and significant equity
- Opportunity to build cutting‑edge autonomous systems from first principles
- Work on real‑world robotics problems with immediate, tangible impact
- Tight iteration loop between simulation and deployment
- Small, high‑agency team moving quickly
If you’re excited about building autonomous systems that operate in the real world—and want to help define the future of drone intelligence—we’d love to talk.
Founding Software Engineer in London employer: Seeing Systems (YC W26)
Seeing Systems is an exceptional employer for those passionate about robotics and autonomous technology, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation in a fast-paced startup environment. As a Founding Software Engineer, you will enjoy significant equity and ownership while collaborating closely with experienced founders to shape the engineering culture and tackle real-world challenges. With a focus on employee growth and a hands-on approach to development, you'll have the chance to make a tangible impact from day one in a supportive and dynamic team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Software Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more you engage with the community, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to robotics and autonomous systems. This gives us a tangible way to see what you can do beyond just words on a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding key concepts in robotics and AI. Practice common algorithms and system design questions to impress us during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! We’re looking for passionate individuals who want to make an impact. Your application could be the one that stands out, so take the leap and show us what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Software Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for autonomous systems shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the impact you can make at Seeing Systems.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your work in robotics, software engineering, or any hands-on projects that demonstrate your capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Founding Software Engineer role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seeing Systems (YC W26)
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python, ROS/ROS2, and any relevant AI tools. Brush up on your understanding of SLAM, sensor fusion, and real-time systems, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects, particularly those related to robotics or autonomous systems. Be ready to explain how you approached these problems, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and critical thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Robotics
Express your enthusiasm for working with drones and autonomous systems. Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your interest in this field. This will help convey your commitment and excitement about contributing to Seeing Systems' mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s vision, the team dynamics, and the specific challenges they face in developing their autonomy stack. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also invested in the company’s future and culture.
